George Thomas, Jr. papers

The papers of physician George Thomas, Jr. include materials related to his career at Flint-Goodridge Hospital, the medical profession, and the social organizations with which he was involved. Correspondence, speeches, interview transcripts, and other records chronicle the challenges faced by Flint-Goodridge Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana as it struggled to maintain its identity and competitiveness after segregation of hospitals ended. Flint’s patients and medical professionals sought other opportunities and the hospital eventually closed in 1987. Originally owned and operated by Dillard University, Flint-Goodridge Hospital served African Americans during the era of segregation and was the only hospital in Louisiana dedicated to serving minorities.

The papers also include collected ephemera related to the medical profession and to social and civic organizations in New Orleans. Dr. Thomas collected newsletters, programs, and reports from the Howard University College of Medicine and Medical Alumni Association, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, and the Louisiana Medical Association. He was a member of the African American fraternity Sigma Pi Phi and the Beau Brummell Club, as well as a 33^rd degree Freemason. He retained correspondence, clippings, certificates and membership information related to these organizations. His interest in music led him to collect programs from musical performances throughout the city. He also collected material related to his Dillard, Howard, and Southern Universities, as well as Talladega College. Collected reports, newsletters, programs, and pamphlets from the United Church of Christ, the Urban League, the NAACP, the United Federal Savings and Loan, and the YMCA are also included.